7 Trends Started By Sex and the City

Just in case you weren’t aware of just exactly how long ago the fashion, beauty, relationship and sex of our age began – this year marks the 20th anniversary since the very first episode of the iconic, rule-breaking and beloved Sex and the City premiered. Granted, there were certain not-too-relatable moments – no freelance writer can afford to have a hundred pairs of designer shoes and never wear the same outfit twice, but we’ll just chalk that up to the show’s charm and move on to the positives. Yes, there are a great number of shows in which people are open about sex and wear incredible clothes, but this show was a pioneer of sorts that made it all happen, so in honour of that, let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about some of the best trends the show brought into our lives and the world in general.

Before Sex and the City came along, we were somewhat familiar with the concept of expensive footwear, but we definitely have Carrie to thank for introducing us to multitudes of incredible designs. More than that, it is safe to assume that she is single-handedly responsible for the spike in popularity of Manolo Blahnikshoes. Yes, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin were ‘in the mix’ as well, but it is the Manolos that really became a household name.

It is highly plausible that no one wore big flowers as accessories before Carrie did. During the entire season of dating Aidan (the first time round), Carrie was super into flowers, and we became crazy about them as well. Even though almost two decades have passed since she first rocked them, we still do, whether they’re runway-approved or not, because let’s face it – they can turn a tank-top and simple jeans into something stunning, provided that something poignant and extravagant is happening below the ankles as well.

Talking about it

From Samantha’s sexual escapades (which she was always so gracious to share in full detail), the time Miranda taught us about sex toys (the rabbit episode), Charlotte’s (eventual) openness about Trey’s problems with ‘getting the sails up and bringing it into the harbor’ to Carrie’s issues with Burger in the episode ‘Great Sexpectations’, the show told us it’s ok to not only talk about sex openly, but to want and demand great sex and settle for nothing less. It taught us it’s completely normal turn to toys when there’s a shortage of ‘the real thing’ – Miranda, as well as to convey our fantasies and play with innovative sex toys for couples – Samantha, of course.

Age is just a number

Although we should aim at dressing appropriately for our age, because, as Carrie once pointed out, ‘we can’t get away with the same things we used to’, Samantha is living proof that as long as a woman is confident and comfortable with her body, she can wear whatever she pleases. We don’t and shouldn’t ‘frump up’ our clothes as soon as we hit 40 or even 50, and we have all of Samantha’s outfits to prove it.

Power suits are sexy

At the beginning of the show, Miranda fostered a corporate look that was ‘very ’90s’, but just a tad dull. She, however, makes up for it in a huge way in the later seasons when we see her rocking the white button-down and the power suit like it’s nobody’s business and slaying it. Even Samantha dabbled with wide-shoulder double-breasted blazers and pants in hot pink (very ’80s but chicer), so we can definitely say that, although the power suit is back now, these two ladies showed us how hot and indeed powerful it is.

Make a statement

Although all four ladies had very distinct and original styles – Charlotte was classic and chic, Miranda was casual/corporate and Samantha was sassy and colorful, when it comes to statement dressing, no one can beat Carrie. From the layered ruffled skirts and red tops, thousand-layer dresses, chunky gold jewelry, statement fur, color-blocking mixed with polka dots and countless other, at times downright outrageous outfits, she took the confused and confusing 2000s and taught us all about statement dressing, and there is no doubt that, even after all this time, true statement dressers still turn to her when in doubt.

Never apologize

This is one of the burning issues of today, one that has been boiling for centuries – a woman’s right to professional success and unapologetic goal-getting. We won’t go as far as to say that the show was a pioneer when it comes to equality (gender or sexual), but it most definitely did greatly contribute to the conversation. Miranda never apologized for her success, and neither did Samantha – she was right in the office, in bed, and pretty much everywhere else, and made it perfectly clear from the get-go. Carrie’s attitude spoke of her level of independence and advocacy for strong women, and even Charlotte in her own way is a great role-model. She quits her job in order to become a mother and a housewife, and it’s her choice. It only goes to show that, regardless of the path we choose, we should never allow others to judge us, let alone apologize for our goals and visions.

About the Author

Sophia Smith

Sophia Smith is an Australian based fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger, graphic designer, lover of vintage treasures, basics, white and D,I,Y enthusiast. Design plays a huge role in her personal expression. She has contributed to a number of publications including: LA Fashion, Viva Glam Magazine, Just Haves, Everyday Power Blog, How to Simplify and Carousel.